Dr Iain Williamson

Job: Senior Lecturer/ Programme Leader MSc Health Psychology

Faculty: Health and Life Sciences

School/department: School of Applied Social Sciences

Research group(s): Psychology

Address: De Montfort, University, The Gateway, Leicester, LE1 9BH.

T: +44 (0)116 207 8393

E: iwilliamson@dmu.ac.uk

W: https://www.dmu.ac.uk/hls

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Personal profile

Dr Iain Williamson is a critical health psychologist who is registered with the Health Professions Council and chartered with the British Psychological Society. Dr Williamson uses qualitative methods in his research and has a particular interest in issues around diversity and health inequalities in marginalised communities.

Publications and outputs

Unanticipated voices? Reflections from our ongoing ‘adventures’ with participant-authored photography, interviewing and interpretative phenomenology
dc.title: Unanticipated voices? Reflections from our ongoing ‘adventures’ with participant-authored photography, interviewing and interpretative phenomenology dc.contributor.author: Williamson, I. R.; Quincey, Kerry; Lond, Benjamin J; Papaloukas, Periklis dc.description.abstract: Using participant-authored photography to inform and complement the collection of interview data is increasingly popular in Psychology but reflective accounts of issues faced by researchers and participants remain scarce. We therefore present a critical commentary on some of the unexpected outcomes that have emerged during recent studies on health and disability which have employed this approach. Under the theme of ‘unanticipated voices’ we discuss some of the challenges we have experienced around data gathering, interpretation, presentation and dissemination. We consider methodological, theoretical and ethical challenges for this paradigm and some of the challenges involved in publishing this type of work. dc.description: open access article
Incorporating photographic data in health psychology research: the LGBT persons living with MS study
dc.title: Incorporating photographic data in health psychology research: the LGBT persons living with MS study dc.contributor.author: Papaloukas, P.; Fish, Julie; Williamson, I. R. dc.description.abstract: This study explores the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) individuals living with the chronic condition of multiple sclerosis (MS) whose effects are both specific and profound. Long-term conditions have been under-explored in LGBT communities outside of the context of HIV, especially via a multi-methodological qualitative approach. The research employs an innovative integrative conceptual framework, in order to investigate this topic. It is posited within a critical health psychology epistemological paradigm, theoretically informed by phenomenological psychology and visual ethnography. The integrated data have been collected via interviews and participant-authored photographs which have been analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA). Twenty-eight participants, including participants from several European countries, have taken part. The analysis of the data has produced several themes. For the purposes of this paper we specifically discuss the theme of ‘Living with MS: Visual and verbal accounts of adjusting to disability and ableism in the LGBT communities’. MS is a transformative condition which alters the core self of individuals and fundamentally alters their perceived, and felt relations with other members of the LGBT communities. Their life is infused by heteronormativity assumptions, and influenced by heterosexist and ableist experiences, creating a new lifeworld. We discuss insights from the study, applications for intervention and aware-raising and consider additional opportunities for applied and impactful opportunities which the participant-authored photos have provide us with. We illustrate this with our reflections on a recent dissemination and engagement event which took the form of a public photographic exhibition.
Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* individuals living with multiple sclerosis: a visual ethnophenomenological exploration
dc.title: Lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* individuals living with multiple sclerosis: a visual ethnophenomenological exploration dc.contributor.author: Fish, Julie; Williamson, I. R. dc.description.abstract: Background: The aim of this study is to understand the experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans*(LGBT) individuals living with multiple sclerosis (MS). There is little research on how members of sexual and gender-related minorities navigate the challenges of chronic illness. There has not been any research conducted within LGBT populations in an MS context, even though the impacts of MS are severe and specific in relation to aspects of identity, community participation and socio-cultural status. Method: The study uses a multi-qualitative methodological approach informed by an integrative theoretical framework influenced by critical health psychology, phenomenology and visual ethnography. Interviews are used with photographs authored by the participants. The data are analysed by means of interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Sixteen LGBT individuals within and beyond Europe have taken part in the study. Findings: This presentation focuses on two themes which are illustrated through a series of extracts and images: In ‘Narratives of biographical metamorphosis’ we discuss the transformative nature of MS with regard to issues pertaining to identity and well-being. In ‘Navigating landscapes of heterosexism and ableism’ we explore the everyday challenges of being a disabled non-heterosexual individual and specifically in relation to interpersonal relationships and socio-economic status. Discussion: Ideas of LGBT-affirmative psychosocial support for people with chronic illnesses are explored. We offer recommendations of how the wellbeing of disabled individuals might be enhanced (information on accessibility informed by disabled persons themselves; awareness campaigns on the invisibility of chronic illness and disability). Finally, visually-informed dissemination opportunities are discussed.
Disturbance at the Dinner Table: Exploring mothers’ experiences of mealtimes when caring for their son or daughter with anorexia nervosa
dc.title: Disturbance at the Dinner Table: Exploring mothers’ experiences of mealtimes when caring for their son or daughter with anorexia nervosa dc.contributor.author: White, Hannah; Haycraft, Emma; Meyer, Caroline; Williamson, I. R. dc.description.abstract: This study examined mothers’ (n=9) mealtime experiences when caring for their son or daughter with anorexia nervosa (AN) through semi-structured interviews. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis identified three themes: 1) Managing mealtime combat through accommodation and acceptance; 2) Feeling isolated, inauthentic and ill-equipped; 3) A need for understanding and to be understood. The overarching concepts of ‘combat’ and ‘distortion’ also underpin the analysis, uniquely outlining how mothers come to understand this daily situation. Mealtime-related interventions need to be developed which prioritise promoting skills and confidence in managing mealtimes and helping carers to address the emotional challenges of these occasions. dc.description: The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version.
‘The real me shining through M.E.’: Visualizing Masculinity and Identity Threat in Men with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Using Photovoice and IPA.
dc.title: ‘The real me shining through M.E.’: Visualizing Masculinity and Identity Threat in Men with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome Using Photovoice and IPA. dc.contributor.author: Wilde, Lucina; Quincey, Kerry; Williamson, I. R. dc.description.abstract: Phenomenological research in the context of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (M.E.) or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) has predominantly explored women’s accounts. Due to the paucity of research highlighting men’s experiences of living with M.E./CFS, the aim of this research was to explore their visual and verbal accounts to gain a more in-depth understanding of how they make sense of their diagnosis and dual identity as a man with a stigmatized and often misunderstood chronic illness. Working within a critical health psychology framework the study utilised a phenomenological approach and an adapted version of Photovoice to gather and interrogate self-authored photographs and interview accounts from ten men living with M.E./CFS. An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the integrated visual and verbal data led to the development of three themes: ‘Loss of Masculine Identity as Man with M.E./CFS’, ‘Marginalization attached to M.E./CFS and Masculinity’ and ‘Coping with Dual Identity by Adjustments, Assimilation and Acceptance’. The findings show how men with CFS cope with identity threat across personal, social, and cultural contexts, whilst making adaptations in their perceptions and performances of masculinity. We argue that participant-authored photographs could be used by researchers, activists and practitioners to facilitate increased understanding of and support for men with M.E./CFS. dc.description: The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.
“It's always on the safe list”: Investigating experiential accounts of picky eating in adults
dc.title: “It's always on the safe list”: Investigating experiential accounts of picky eating in adults dc.contributor.author: Fox, G.; Coulthard, Helen; Williamson, I. R.; Wallis, D. J. dc.description.abstract: Previous research into severely restricted eating for reasons which are not cultural, medical, due to a lack of food or due to concerns about body image has focused predominantly on “picky/fussy eating” in children. Despite evidence that picky eating does continue into adulthood and recognition in the new diagnostic category. Avoidant Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) that problematically avoidant and restrictive patterns of eating affect people across the lifespan, relatively little is known about the challenges and consequences faced by older adolescents and adults. This research employs qualitative methods to explore the experience of living as an adult with picky eating behaviours. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with thirteen adults who identify as picky eaters and eat a highly limited diet, as determined by a checklist food questionnaire. Data were analysed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Two themes are presented in this paper: “Constructions of food” and “Motivators for and barriers to change”. These themes show the importance of how individuals perceive food, their diet and themselves, and implications for clinical practice and future research in light of these findings are considered. dc.description: The file attached to this record is the author's final peer reviewed version. The Publisher's final version can be found by following the DOI link.
Towards LGBTQ-affirmative cancer care and support: Barriers and opportunities
dc.title: Towards LGBTQ-affirmative cancer care and support: Barriers and opportunities dc.contributor.author: Williamson, I. R.; Fish, Julie; Wildbur, D.; Bell, Katie; Padley, Wendy; Brown, Jayne dc.description.abstract: Background: Survey data suggest that LGBT people report lower levels of satisfaction with healthcare for cancer than heterosexuals. This presentation summarises findings from recent qualitative research to understand the experiences of British LGBT people with cancer and their long-term partners. Methods: Participants were recruited through 5 oncology units at British hospitals, 2 cancer support charities and through media campaigns. In-depth interviews typically lasting between 45 and 75 minutes were carried out with 31 cancer patients who identified as lesbian (N=13), gay (N=14), bisexual (N= 3) and queer (N=1) and 9 long-term partners of cancer patients who identified as lesbian (N= 5), gay (N= 2) and trans* (N=2). Data were analysed through thematic analysis. Findings: Three themes are presented: Understanding the Motives, Meanings and ‘Mechanics’ of Disclosure explores how decisions around whether to ‘come out’ as LGBTQ are influenced by several factors including anticipated stigma, perceived moral or political ‘obligation’ and the manner of healthcare professionals. Creating and Communicating LGBTQ-Affirmative Spaces outlines anxieties faced by LGBTQ patients in interactions with staff and patients in clinical spaces such as waiting-rooms and hospital wards and the desire for more explicit evidencing of an anti-discriminatory culture. Finally Seeking LGBTQ-tailored Information and Support shows how current cancer support typically fails to meet psychosocial and psychosexual needs of LGBTQ patients. Discussion: The findings can be used to influence policy and practice by statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure that effective oncology treatment is accompanied by an holistic understanding of the needs and concerns of LGBTQ patients
Venturing into the visual voice: combining photos and interviews in phenomenological inquiry around marginalisation and chronic illness
dc.title: Venturing into the visual voice: combining photos and interviews in phenomenological inquiry around marginalisation and chronic illness dc.contributor.author: Papaloukas, P.; Williamson, I. R.; Quincey, Kerry dc.description.abstract: In this article, we present a reflection on the research process of combining photographs with phenomenologically oriented interviews. Two studies in the field of chronic illness with marginalised individuals (lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans* people living with MS; men diagnosed with breast cancer) are employed to illustrate a range of conceptual, methodological and pragmatic issues. Both studies draw upon an integrative theoretical framework within a critical health psychology epistemological paradigm informed by phenomenological psychology and visual methodologies. The data collected for both studies have been analysed through interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Weoffer some thoughts regarding certain challenges and opportunities of synergising verbal and visual data and illustrate our arguments through a series of examples from the two studies, which are critically discussed. We argue that qualitative research in psychology benefits from an enhanced multimethodological approach employing existential phenomenological psychology and visual methodologies, especially when exploring chronic illness in marginalised communities, and we outline benefits for the wider community of qualitative researchers in psychology.
‘Marginalised malignancies’: A qualitative synthesis of men's accounts of living with breast cancer
dc.title: ‘Marginalised malignancies’: A qualitative synthesis of men's accounts of living with breast cancer dc.contributor.author: Williamson, I. R.; Winstanley, S.; Quincey, Kerry dc.description.abstract: Rationale: Breast cancer in men is a rare, under-researched illness frequently overlooked within both clinical and third-sector healthcare systems. Increased prevalence and high profile awareness-raising, advocacy and activism around breast cancer in women has led to pervasive feminisation of the disease, prompting a misperception of breast cancer as a women-only illness. This deters men from seeking medical attention, professional and social support, and increases sensitivity to body image concerns. Methods: Drawing on the principles of critical health psychology, we offer an interpretive and evaluative qualitative synthesis of existing academic literature in the field, and reveal how the marginalisation of men with breast cancer poses a host of psychosocial and psychosexual difficulties for patient-survivors beyond the primary cancer challenge at all stages of the illness trajectory. Results: We discuss how identities, masculinities, coping responses and resources, and relationships are often affected, and demonstrate how current approaches to breast cancer serve to isolate men who develop the illness, potentially alienating and emasculating them. Conclusion: Our analysis integrates and enhances the findings of the original papers through more theorised considerations of stigma, masculinity and marginalisation. Further, we briefly consider some of the ways men's experiences diverge and converge with women's accounts, and discuss the importance of re-appraising ‘pink ribbon culture’ for both men and women. We conclude with some recommendations for advocacy and intervention in professional and lay contexts.
Shifting masculinities amongst men diagnosed with breast cancer: a multi-method phenomenological inquiry
dc.title: Shifting masculinities amongst men diagnosed with breast cancer: a multi-method phenomenological inquiry dc.contributor.author: Williamson, I. R.; Wildbur, D.; Quincey, Kerry dc.description.abstract: Background: Underacknowledged clinically and socially as a threat to men’s health, breast cancer in men persists as a critical health issue, with complex ramifications for those affected. Research exploring men’s breast cancer experiences and life beyond the illness event remains limited. Therefore, this research asks ‘How do we understand the experiences of men diagnosed with breast cancer?’ and aims to advance knowledge regarding men’s meaning-making of breast cancer and masculinity, and to give voice to what is currently an under-researched minority group. Methods: Thirty-One British men recruited via clinical records, a UK breast cancer charity and social media, recounted their breast cancer experiences using self-authored/selected photographs which they later discussed as part of extended semi-structured interviews. All data were analysed thematically following principles and conventions of Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Findings: Findings revealed three superordinate masculinities: ‘threatened/exposed’, ‘protected/asserted’ and a ‘renewed/revitalised’ masculinity, which collectively demonstrate how the men implement and transition between masculinities across the illness trajectory, as they manage, make sense of and live through breast cancer. Using a model, we show how these masculinities are processed by the men from illness onset right through to being in-recovery. We discuss and evidence the identified masculinities, and their interrelationships, using quotes and images taken from the participants’ interview transcripts. Discussion: We consider how adopting these different masculinities at different points in time across the breast cancer episode aids men’s’ adjustment to illness, and re-adjustment to life post diagnosis and treatment. We conclude with recommendations for improving male patients’ experiences and outcomes

View a full listing of Dr Williamson's publications and outputs.

Research interests/expertise

Critical/qualitative health psychology
Breastfeeding and infant nutrition
Chronic Illness
Social and cultural diversity
Lesbian and gay health and well-being
Eating disorders

Dr Williamson has methodolgical expertise in interpretative phenomenological analysis, interviewing and audio-diaries and Q-methodology.

Areas of teaching

Health psychology
Qualitative research methods
Health inequalities
Social and cultural perspectives on health and well-being.

Qualifications

BA (Lancaster)
Postgraduate Diploma (Open)
PGCE (Leicester)
MSc (Manchester)
PhD (Huddersfield)

Courses taught

MSc Health Psychology
MSc Psychological Well-Being
BSc Psychology with Health Studies
BSc Psychology

Membership of external committees

Expert member of the NHS Leicester Research Ethics Committee since May 2008.
Member of the Division of Health Psychology Training Committee since September 2012.

Membership of professional associations and societies

Chartered with the British Psychological Society and Member of the Society's Division of Health Psychology and Qualitative Methods Section.
Member of the International Society for Critical Health Psychology and the Midlands Health Psychology Network.
Member of the Islamic Studies Network.

Professional licences and certificates

Registered as a practitioner psychologist (speciality: health) with the Health Professions Council in July 2009 until June 2013.

Conference attendance

Williamson, I. & Sacranie, S. M. (2008, September). Nourishment for body and soul: Exploring British Muslim mothers' accounts of breastfeeding (oral presentation). British Psychological Society Qualitative Methods Section Inaugural Conference, Leeds, UK.

Williamson, I., Lyttle, S., Johnson, S. & Leeming, D. (2008, September). The benefits and drawbacks of using audio-diaries to capture lived experience: Participants' and researchers' views (Poster presentation). British Psychological Society Qualitative Methods Section Inaugural Conference, Leeds, UK.

Williamson, I. (2009, June). Exploring accounts of breastfeeding experience among British Asian and white women. Association of Breastfeeding Mothers Annual Conference (Invited address) Leicester, UK.

Leeming, D., Williamson, I., Johnson, S. & Lyttle, S. (2009, September). ‘This is a natural thing, why can I not do this?’ : The impact of early breastfeeding difficulties on first-time mothers.(Poster presentation). Society for Reproductive and Infant Psychology Annual Conference, Newcastle, UK.

Johnson, S., Leeming, D., Lyttle,S. & Williamson, I. (2010, March). Empowerment or regulation? Exploring the implications of women’s perspectives on pumping and expressing milk. Breastfeeding and Feminism Symposium 2010: Informing Public Health Approaches Greensborough, North Carolina, US.

Johnson, S., Leeming, D., Lyttle, S. & Williamson, I. (2011, April). Being a good mother: Expressing breast milk as a way of negotiating the moral imperative that breast is best (oral presentation). Paper presented at the 7th Biennial Conference of the International Society of Critical Health Psychology, Adelaide, Australia, April.

Leeming, D., Williamson, I., Johnson, S. & Lyttle, S. (2011, June). Becoming a breastfeeding mother : An interactionist perspective (oral presentation). Nutrition and Nurture in Infancy and Childhood: Bio-Cultural Perspectives. Grange-Over-Sands, UK.

Williamson, I., Song, J. & Lyttle, S. (2011, June). Developing undergraduate students’ skills in qualitative data analysis through the exploration of on-line Hajj diaries (oral presentation). Higher Education Academy Centre for Sociology, Anthropology and Politics Teaching Islam in the Social Sciences. Birmingham, UK.

Williamson, I., Quincey, K., Hodges, K., Mitchell, H., Fox, G., Ogbonna, M. & Wood, N. (2011, September). Exploring the experiences of informal primary carers for individuals with Parkinson's Disease in the UK [poster presentation]. British Psychological Society Division of Health Psychology Annual Conference, Southampton UK.

Fox, G. & Williamson, I. (2012, February). Living with an eating disorder: An exploration of the effects on a co-habiting relationship from both partners’ perspectives (oral presentation). Midlands Health Psychology Network Annual Conference, Coventry UK

Fox, G. & Williamson, I. (2012, August). “Always the two of us and then Anorexia”. Co-habiting couples’ accounts of living with eating disturbance (poster presentation). European Health Psychology Society Annual Conference, Prague, Czech Republic.

Williamson, I., Ogbonna, M. & Mitchell, H. (2012, August). “It was never an option not to breastfeed.” Exploring breastfeeding accounts of middle class Nigerian women (poster presentation). European Health Psychology Society Annual Conference, Prague, Czech Republic.

Consultancy work

Dr Williamson is currently working with Dr Scott Yates (De Montfort University) and, Dr Rachel Westacott and Professor John Feehally (University Hospitals Leicester) on a mixed methods project looking at self-efficacy and self-management of young people with Chronic Kidney Disease, funded by NHS Kidney Care.

Current research students

Dr Williamson is supervising a PhD student on a project relating to lesbian and gay sexual health and well-being with Dr Julie Fish.

Externally funded research grants information

2012 NHS Kidney Care with Dr Rachel Westacott and Professor John Feehally (UHL) and Dr Scott Yates (DMU)

Professional esteem indicators

Dr Williamson has reviewed for several funding organisations including the Economic and Social Research Council, British Academy and National Institute of Health Research.

Dr Williamson has reviewed for publishing houses such as Sage and Open University Press. He has reviewed articles for numerous journals including International Journal of Men’s Health, Sex Roles, International Journal of Social Research Methodologies, European Eating Disorders Review and Critical Public Health.